Recommend a good BEGINNER DSLR camera

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/27/2007 04:39:09 PM · #26

Originally posted by formerlee:

Plus, K100D does have continuous shooting although not up as high as some higher priced DSLRs, but enough for most shooters. It is not as much a beginner's camera as is being suggested. It is a very capable item.

The K100D's continous shooting matches that of Fuji's SLR like series S5x00 S6x00. The rate is the saame 3 FPS (they wuote i know tests have shown differnet) as the K10D but itll only shoot three frames in RAW. (Im not so worried about FPS myself as with the number in the burst 2.5 FPS is fine. The Fuji's cant shoot in continous raw at all. The K10D shoots RAW to 9 frames and shoots JPEG unlimited.

ANyways lets not try to take it much further then that dont need to throw the OP into what im in deciding betwen 10 different camera's. Between me and Option talking the past week im settling towards the K10D and i might even buy the K100D as a backup.

On a limited Budget the K110D (no shake reduction) K100D, Sony Alpha 100, Nikon D40, D50, Olympus E-500, The Canon 350D.

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 16:40:41.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

02/27/2007 04:41:28 PM · #27

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by formerlee:
Plus, K100D does have continuous shooting although not up as high as some higher priced DSLRs, but enough for most shooters. It is not as much a beginner's camera as is being suggested. It is a very capable item.

The K100D's continous shooting matches that of Fuji's SLR like series S5x00 S6x00. The rate is the saame 3 FPS as the K10D but itll only shoot three frames in RAW. The Fuji's cant shoot in raw at all. The K10D shoots RAW to 9 frames and shoots JPEG unlimited.

ANyways lets not try to take it much further then that dont need to throw the OP into what im in deciding betwen 10 different camera's. Between me and Option talking the past week im settling towards the K10D and i might even buy the K100D as a backup.

On a limited Budget the K110D (no shake reduction) K100D, Sony Alpha 100, Nikon D40, D50, Olympus E-500, The Canon 350D.

I think you could be making the best decision of your life :)) A K10D with a K100D as backup and access to unlimited lenses seems a wise move. Hope you join the every growing clan soon:)

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

02/27/2007 04:41:47 PM · #28

The OP may also want to look at this thread that is ongoing.

How did you choose your DSLR?

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

02/27/2007 04:42:19 PM · #29

The D50 is a wonderful camera, I have one (wife has one actually) if you can get the 18-70 lens kit then its a super deal.. or even the 18-135 is a super lens. Best option is to see what feels best in your hands.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

02/28/2007 09:40:15 AM · #30

Bumping for more comments if possible.

The little P&S seems to be working today though - so not sure if this is going to happen after all or not

xXxscarletxXx

Nikon D80

02/28/2007 09:41:43 AM · #31

Nikon D80 for sure

nicklevy

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/28/2007 09:56:40 AM · #32

Originally posted by nemesise1977:

THen decide, you may not buy it from them though cause if you go to like pricegrabber.com or froogle.com you can most likely find what your looking for cheaper.

I just can't believe I'm reading that someone is actually giving advice to someone else to to go into a store that pay for the salesmans to give service, to steal that service and to run out give the money to cheaper places.

Ever have guessed why a real store with people answering questions is a little bit more expensive than webstores?

I suggest people doing it now!

I don't mean to sound harsh but on this matter I just can't help it. I spend probably a least a thousand hours in my life giving advice to customers who had bought electronics equipment in self service store like walmart-bestbuy for 20$ less. They wanted the price they had there but my service. Well guess what, valuable information and patient service with advice based on knowledge and personnal experience, this IS part of the price!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/28/2007 10:00:43 AM · #33

Originally posted by nicklevy:

Originally posted by nemesise1977:
THen decide, you may not buy it from them though cause if you go to like pricegrabber.com or froogle.com you can most likely find what your looking for cheaper.

I just can't believe I'm reading that someone is actually giving advice to someone else to to go into a store that pay for the salesmans to give service, to steal that service and to run out give the money to cheaper places.

Ever have guessed why a real store with people answering questions is a little bit more expensive than webstores?

I suggest people doing it now!

I don't mean to sound harsh but on this matter I just can't help it. I spend probably a least a thousand hours in my life giving advice to customers who had bought electronics equipment in self service store like walmart-bestbuy for 20$ less. They wanted the price they had there but my service. Well guess what, valuable information and patient service with advice based on knowledge and personnal experience, this IS part of the price!!!!!!!!!!!!

kinda agree here. I work everyday to make sure that my employees are the smartest and nicest people someone can shop with. when i see people leave sayign they are going to wal-mart or online to get it cheaper it pisses me off. those same people come into my store when they have a problem or can't figure out how to use it.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/28/2007 10:19:47 AM · #34

Originally posted by nemesise1977:

THen decide, you may not buy it from them though cause if you go to like pricegrabber.com or froogle.com you can most likely find what your looking for cheaper.

Originally posted by nicklevy:

Well, if it makes you feel any better - I am most likely to take the information I gather (here, through my own research, etc) and purchase from a local store - most likely Henry's or FutureShop.

nicklevy

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

02/28/2007 10:28:33 AM · #35

Originally posted by kashi:

Well, if it makes you feel any better - I am most likely to take the information I gather (here, through my own research, etc) and purchase from a local store - most likely Henry's or FutureShop.

Reading again my first post, I do think I felt harsh after all.

No. It's not going to make me feel any better. The intense frustration that build from more than 12 years being a salesman cannot vanish in the wind like that. With that said, I do congratulate you for having responsible buying habits and if there where more people like you, the world would be a better place or anyway a more fair place to salesman because than they have to do a good job to earn their living and not just give rebate because they're no good.

manish

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

02/28/2007 10:29:36 AM · #36

In my opinion Nikon D40 is a decent beginer DLSR. I got my first DSLR a few months back and had done my bit of research to reach this conclusion, maybe my two cents here helps

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

02/28/2007 10:58:53 AM · #37

Originally posted by nicklevy:

Originally posted by kashi:
Well, if it makes you feel any better - I am most likely to take the information I gather (here, through my own research, etc) and purchase from a local store - most likely Henry's or FutureShop.

Reading again my first post, I do think I felt harsh after all.

No. It's not going to make me feel any better. The intense frustration that build from more than 12 years being a salesman cannot vanish in the wind like that. With that said, I do congratulate you for having responsible buying habits and if there where more people like you, the world would be a better place or anyway a more fair place to salesman because than they have to do a good job to earn their living and not just give rebate because they're no good.

I do buy photo gear locally when possible and I'm willing to pay some premium to do so, mostly because I appreciate the ability to actually hold and feel what I'm buying and the fact that, generally, I can have it straight away, no waiting for the UPS man.

When I don't buy locally, it's usually because the local store is charging way too much for an item. I've seen a lens at the local store for $460, when I can order it from B&H for $375, shipping included. If brick and mortar stores aren't willing to make their prices more competitive with online vendors, I won't buy from them. I will still give them first shot and I will also give them a chance to make me a better deal, but their service, and advice is only worth so much.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/28/2007 11:25:56 AM · #38

Okay - here's the local pricing scoop. It seems pretty consistent across the board.

Olympus Evolt E-500 w/ 14-45mm lens : $700

Pentax K110D w/ 18-55mm DA lens : $700

Nikon D50 w/ 18-55mm lens : $770

Pentax K100D w/ 18-55mm DA lens : $800

Nikon D40 w/ 18-55 II lens : $800

Olympus Evolt E-500 w/ 14-45 and 40-150 lenses : $800

Rebel XT w/ 18-55mm EF-S lens : $830

nicklevy

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

02/28/2007 11:45:01 AM · #39

Originally posted by kashi:

Okay - here's the local pricing scoop. It seems pretty consistent across the board.

Olympus Evolt E-500 w/ 14-45mm lens : $700

Pentax K110D w/ 18-55mm DA lens : $700

Nikon D50 w/ 18-55mm lens : $770

Pentax K100D w/ 18-55mm DA lens : $800

Nikon D40 w/ 18-55 II lens : $800

Olympus Evolt E-500 w/ 14-45 and 40-150 lenses : $800

Rebel XT w/ 18-55mm EF-S lens : $830

If I was on the market right now, I'd narrow my choice to the bold selection I made. These are all well regarded camera, the canon have the resolution advantage while the pentax having IS in camera is a good choice too. The D50 is still a good choice given the upgrade possibilities, the choice of lenses and the amazing Nikon flash system.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/28/2007 11:47:10 AM · #40

Admittedly, I like the *idea* of the IS system. Unfortunately, I don't understand it well enough to make an informed decision based on that.

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

02/28/2007 11:55:38 AM · #41

You would love the Rebel XT, it is simple to use and understand, is comfortable to hold, and is very light. I use a 512 CF card with mine (I shoot fine JPEG) and can get around 150 shots a pop so you shouldn't have a problem there either :)

On another note, try going to the camera store (even if you are going to buy online) and just hold a few, feel them in your hands, push buttons, and see what fits you best before you make your decision :)

ETA: BTW, I am a beginner too and if I can use it, I am sure you can :)

Message edited by author 2007-02-28 11:58:36.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/28/2007 12:06:35 PM · #42

Originally posted by TCGuru:

I've gone in and held the Rebel XT and the Nikon D50 (I think it was the 50 - maybe the 40 ?).

The Rebel was slightly heavier, but not a bad feel to it at all. The shape of the two was very similar - a nice feel to it, comfortable.

option

Nikon D200

02/28/2007 12:09:36 PM · #43

To knock one camera off your list: the $100 you save on the K110D isnt worth it. Pentax SR works quite well and is well worth the small premium you pay.

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/28/2007 12:15:42 PM · #44

Originally posted by kashi:

Originally posted by TCGuru:
You would love the Rebel XT, it is simple to use and understand, is comfortable to hold, and is very light. I use a 512 CF card with mine (I shoot fine JPEG) and can get around 150 shots a pop so you shouldn't have a problem there either :)

On another note, try going to the camera store (even if you are going to buy online) and just hold a few, feel them in your hands, push buttons, and see what fits you best before you make your decision :)

ETA: BTW, I am a beginner too and if I can use it, I am sure you can :)

I've gone in and held the Rebel XT and the Nikon D50 (I think it was the 50 - maybe the 40 ?).

The Rebel was slightly heavier, but not a bad feel to it at all. The shape of the two was very similar - a nice feel to it, comfortable.

Looks like you have narrowed it down to two :) Good luck and let us know! :)

quiet_observation

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

02/28/2007 12:24:20 PM · #45

I enjoy using the Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi paired with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. It's compact, easy to tote around with me and fairly easy to change settings. About the only thing I dislike about it-in the manual setting-you need to use at least two hands/fingers to change the aperture.

With digital cameras, the lens or lenses that you purchase may be more important than the body. I would recommend buying the best prime lens that you can instead of the kit lens. With a prime lens, it forces you to think about the camera's position from the subject and either move closer or back up rather than zoom the lens.

option

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/28/2007 12:29:14 PM · #46

Originally posted by quiet_observation:

With digital cameras, the lens or lenses that you purchase may be more important than the body. I would recommend buying the best prime lens that you can instead of the kit lens. With a prime lens, it forces you to think about the camera's position from the subject and either move closer or back up rather than zoom the lens.

I also think this is an excellent idea. You lose the flexibility of a zoom, but kit lenses are cheap and you will never regret having a fast 50. Mine is quickly becoming my most used lens, and its a 25 year old manual lens!

Fast 50s dont cost that much either. 200-400 bucks depending on the brand and the speed.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/28/2007 12:29:48 PM · #47

Originally posted by quiet_observation:

I enjoy using the Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi paired with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens.About the only thing I dislike about it-in the manual setting-you need to use at least two hands/fingers to change the aperture.

Well two fingers is about 100% normal....

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

02/28/2007 01:05:08 PM · #48

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by quiet_observation:
I enjoy using the Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi paired with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens.About the only thing I dislike about it-in the manual setting-you need to use at least two hands/fingers to change the aperture.

Well two fingers is about 100% normal....

on mine one finger for aperture change:)